Chapter 286: Clearing Up Business
Chapter 286: Clearing Up Business
At the United Heavy Control Company building in the Deep Unreached Zone, Zhao Qian stood in an office on the 31st floor, holding a glass cup and slowly savoring its contents while gazing out the floor-to-ceiling window.
The room was adorned in a contemporary style, filled with dark metallic reflections and ubiquitous neon accents, creating a stark contrast of cold grays and intense glows.
The glass wall was currently streaked with rainwater, reflecting his silhouette. He was in his early twenties, standing tall at 1.98 meters, dressed in a well-tailored imported suit. His slightly narrow eyes and handsome, cold demeanor were accentuated by his neatly combed, gray-white hair.
On his cheek and neck, a barely noticeable embedded line hinted at the presence of an implanted Boundary Token.
This custom-made token, which cost a small fortune, was almost seamlessly integrated with his body, allowing it to repair itself using his own tissues, ensuring no distractions during combat, and providing an internal shield against potential attacks from Resonators.
He stared ahead at a massive, dark building, a void amidst the surrounding neon-lit areas. It stood like a dead monster in the rainy night.
This was the original headquarters of Ink Orchid Corporation, with its outer walls designed in a petal-like shape, its slender arcs extending to the top. He had been there; within was the so-called High Ridge Stairway, a passage exclusively for the company's CEO and directors, allowing direct access from the rooftop to the underground company area.
Once, this place had shone brightly, but now, everything was gone. The once-thriving Ink Orchid Corporation had withered and fallen, and the entire building, along with its valuable contents, had been confiscated by the Dashun government. The external market had been filled and divided among other companies.
According to later disclosed files, Ink Orchid Corporation's fate was sealed 43 years ago when its cultivated active consciousness was destroyed, forever preventing it from joining the ranks of top-tier enterprises.
Subsequent attacks were merely extensions and consequences of that initial assault. Despite Ink Orchid's desperate struggles to survive, it was ultimately torn apart and devoured.
Zhao Qian had discovered Ink Orchid's plight soon after arriving in Central City, so he had joined the United Heavy Control Company early on and discreetly transferred part of the Zhao family's business to Central City, leaving only the family's collaboration with Ink Orchid Corporation in Wu Yi, which was unavoidable.
He hadn't informed his family about Ink Orchid's situation, as even in its decline, the company still held significant influence over the Zhao family. He couldn't openly discuss it, so he made secret preparations and ensured he had a way out before the ship sank.
His decision proved right, as the early disassociation from Ink Orchid kept him uninvolved. However, as a Zhao family member, while he gained some benefits, he also faced certain troubles.
Government investigations and company inquiries followed, forcing him to use his connections and money to settle matters. This process consumed most of his energy, but fortunately, it was almost over now.
Rarely did he have the leisure to enjoy his favorite drink, "Blood Essence," which activated his altered organism and kept him in a pleasant mood.
At that moment, a communication came through his Boundary Token.
He accepted the call, asking, "What's the matter?"
"Young Master, a piece of information has arrived from Mystic Palace Tower. You might want to take a look."
"Send it over."
Zhao Qian took a sip from his glass, and a student's profile appeared on the screen before him. He glanced at the name, and his pupils involuntarily contracted.
He remembered this student clearly; they had played a crucial role in the annihilation of the Mutual Assistance Society and the downfall of Ink Orchid Corporation.
That day, Wei Jun had called him for help, but the person he sent was intercepted on the way. What followed was a series of events: the society was exterminated, the Zhao family and their company were investigated by the government, and Ink Orchid Corporation was destroyed.
Afterward, he believed that the student was likely a pawn of the Dashun government, as it was too coincidental for them to be involved and possibly even drive the entire event.
He had already learned that the student had obtained a spot at the Central City Main Branch, but he was too busy with his own affairs to pay attention.
Now that it was right in front of him, his good mood was instantly ruined.
As he read through the information, his brows furrowed, and when he reached the end, his expression turned unpleasant. The assessment showed a third-limit success rate of 81%!
Eighty-one percent...
His eyes turned cold. While the numerical assessment might not fully reflect the actual situation, the lower limit was guaranteed. At this level, there was little doubt about entering the third limit.
Once they both reached this realm, many things could be done. If this student believed the matter wasn't over, or if others thought the same, then...
He realized he couldn't just do nothing at this point. Even if he ignored it, could he be sure this student wouldn't come looking for him?
(End of Chapter 286)
Would this student believe that he has no designs on him?
Impossible. The annihilation of the Zhao family and the Mutual Aid Society dictates that one of them must fall.
It is only by extinguishing the enemy when they are weak, rather than waiting until they become powerful, that one can ensure their demise.
He was extremely decisive and immediately used the Boundary Token to access the Snake Cult's platform, entering a page accessible only to internal members, and directly expressing his intentions.
"I need to request a cleaning service."
He planned to directly hire the Snake Cult's assassins to deal with Chen Chuan, the simplest and most direct method. All those intricate plans were just a ruse, which would only give the student enough time to grow.
A form immediately appeared on the light screen in front of him, with a voice reminding him to fill in the target and known information about the task below.
Zhao Qian immediately filled in the information he had just received about Chen Chuan, but hesitated for a moment regarding his previous speculations about Chen Chuan's background, ultimately deciding not to include them.
After completing the form, he submitted it.
Soon after, the voice spoke again: "We have received your submitted information. Do you have a specific cleaner in mind? If not, the platform can recommend one based on your target and financial situation."
Zhao Qian replied in a deep voice, "I designate the cleaner 'Shadow Shape' for this task." This cleaner's methods were both mysterious and ingenious, and most importantly, they had a perfect success rate in all their previous tasks.
"The platform has accepted your request. We have sent a task inquiry to the cleaner 'Shadow Shape,' and they will respond within 48 hours. Please be patient."
After the second assessment, Chen Chuan rested for a day in the dormitory of the Mystic Palace Tower, allowing his overworked altered organ to recover and fully absorb the nutrients from the treasure ointment.
The next day, as he was about to leave, the academy contacted him: "Chen Chuan, considering your technique has met the academy's requirements during the assessment, would you like to take the exam in advance?"
He thought for a moment and declined.
The exam results are recorded once, and they also involve evaluation points. In terms of technique, he felt there was still much to learn, so he decided to wait.
69 Book Bar
After leaving the Mystic Palace Tower, he went to Teacher Zheng, who, upon seeing him, said with certainty: "Chen Chuan, you have improved since the last time."
Chen Chuan was slightly surprised.
Teacher Zheng smiled and said, "This is just my feeling, a martial artist's intuition, which can be quite useful at times."
Chen Chuan's mind turned, and he realized that he must have improved after fighting with Hong Fu. However, as he had been making progress every day, he himself did not notice the changes.
Speaking of which, Hong Fu was the best sparring partner. No matter how you improved or what techniques you used, she could always counter you, and you didn't have to worry about hurting her. Instead, she would improve along with you.
Therefore, the assessment was not just an assessment but also an excellent training opportunity. However, this opportunity was only available three times after enrollment, possibly because it consumed a certain resource of the academy.
Teacher Zheng spoke to him for a while and then led him to the training ground, where Zheng Tongtong was already waiting. He said, "Today, we will start practical combat training. You and Tongtong will have a match, and based on your performance, we will determine the next training focus."
Chen Chuan indicated his understanding, drew his Xuejun Blade, and stood in the center of the field. He bowed to Zheng Tongtong and said, "Senior Sister, please guide me."
Zheng Tongtong returned the bow and said cheerfully, "Sure, Junior Brother, be careful too."
Chen Chuan looked at the blade in Zheng Tongtong's hand, which was a horizontal saber, likely her preferred weapon.
Since this was a real combat situation, Zheng Tongtong would not stand still but would freely demonstrate her true strength.
He stepped back a few paces, nodded to her, and took the initiative to attack, sending out a blade that was not particularly fast, mainly for probing.
Zheng Tongtong wrapped her blade, deflecting the blade's edge. Their blades only lightly touched before separating, and their strength was restrained, or rather, only a portion of their strength was displayed, while the rest was concealed.
After seeing this, Teacher Zheng's eyes lit up. He understood Chen Chuan's strength application method, which involved dividing the altered organ into two sets and alternately calling upon them.
This was the technique he was about to teach Chen Chuan, but it seemed that Chen Chuan had already figured it out on his own, which gave Teacher Zheng a pleasant surprise.
However, there was a trick to this, which required understanding how to restrain and protect oneself using the breath technique and the skill of transitioning between strength applications.
Teacher Zheng observed that Chen Chuan was currently relying solely on his superior physical qualities to withstand the strength application, which made him highly susceptible to injury.
He did not intervene because he could stop at any time, and such injuries could be quickly healed with medicine. Moreover, by allowing this situation to unfold and then providing guidance, Chen Chuan's understanding and memory would undoubtedly be more profound.
...
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Chapter end
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